At the Rink: Predators at Jets

Friday marks the start of a five-game homestand for the Jets, who have been outscored 7-1 in losing their past two games after they opened the season with a 6-2 win at the Arizona Coyotes on Oct. 9.

Jets coach Paul Maurice offered a simple message for his players prior to the home-opener.

"Enjoy it," he said. "Get fired up. Use the crowd, for sure."

Home ice served the Jets well during the 2011-12 season, their first in Winnipeg, when they had a 23-13-5 record. But the Jets have a 31-27-7 home record the past two seasons, and their 18 home wins last season were the third-fewest in the NHL.

"Over the past couple of years we [have expected] more out of ourselves, and I think the fans expect more out of us," Jets center Bryan Little said. "I think there has been more pressure from the people of Winnipeg, but we put that on ourselves too. We know that the way we have been playing is not good enough. We're trying to take the next step."

"That's a tough way to play and be successful," Laviolette said. "We were fortunate to get a point and get out of there. The first couple of games we liked the way we played the game, and we need to try to resemble that identity a little bit more."

Laviolette still is considering different line combinations and defense pairings. One likely move Friday will be shifting rookie Filip Forsberg, who has a three-game point streak and is tied for third in scoring among NHL rookies with four points, to play the left side of the first line with center Mike Ribeiro and right wing James Neal.

Status report: Jokinen will make his return to Winnipeg, where he played the past two seasons with the Jets. ... The Predators have six third-period goals this season, tying them for third in the League; they've allowed one goal in the third. ... The Jets are scoreless in nine power-play attempts this season, but they are tied for first in the NHL on the penalty kill (14-for-14). ... After missing 50 games last season because of back surgery, Jets defenseman Grant Clitsome is healthy but has not dressed for a game this season.

Who's hot: Rinne, who missed 51 games last season because of a hip injury, has started all three games for the Predators. He has a 1.62 goals-against average and a .924 save percentage. ... Little has three goals in the Jets' first three games.

Share this!!

The NHL uses cookies, web beacons, and other similar technologies. By using NHL websites or other online services, you consent to the practices described in our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service, including our Cookie Policy.